I have been involved in small dog rescue since the late Spring of 2008. In retrospect, I am amazed at how much it has changed me, as a person. I have become more observant, and gained much more patience. I have learned a lot from these four-legged furry creatures. What I have found, is something I think I have known all along....I love dogs! This has been a wonderful way for me to help and express that adoration to these smart, beautiful animals. Truly, I was born with paw prints on my heart...this is my niche, my passion. I want to share it with others so that perhaps they too might realize it is their calling.
So many of these precious babies that come through rescue have 'baggage'. They aren't 'perfect', and many times I'm sure that is why they ended up in such a predicament, which is absolutely no fault of their own. It is sad, and it breaks my heart. It is overwhelming. The need is so great, and the workers are so few. When I talk to others about rescue, and mention this need, I hear a lot of, 'oh, I could never do that, I'd want to keep the dog'. Hmmm....ok....that's not a valid reason, but whatever. I and others who have chosen to do this are passionate about it and typically have very strong feelings regarding fostering. Granted, it is not for everyone. But I do believe there are those who could do it, and are not. I think everyone can do something, and they are not. That's what is frustrating. It's not 'just a dog'....they all matter, and they all deserve a chance.
It takes dedication to the cause. Time, energy and financial resources come in to play every day. It is often a thankless job, and it's volunteer. I do not get paid for doing this, and I personally don't know of anyone who is. Each rescue is different, but most will reimburse you for medical expenses....spay, neutering, shots, heartworm, etc. Many times dental work, which is often needed, especially for smaller dogs, doesn't get done because of cost. There are ones that are 'special needs', many with skin issues and allergies...problems from neglect and abuse. Others with dire medical issues, cancer, cleft palates, missing limbs, all manner of maladies. Doggies from puppy mills who have never experienced being a beloved pet. So many of them are just strays from the street...abandoned. It is very heartbreaking to someone like me who has such a passion of care and concern for all of them. I have no tolerance for abuse or neglect. These are innocent, living, breathing lives that have emotions and feel pain. It is our responsibility to care for them, yet so many times we fall short and fail them...I shed many tears over this...it is that close to my heart.
My hope in writing this is that perhaps you will consider what you could do to help a rescue...there are thousands of them across the U.S. Finding a local one is as easy as calling your city animal shelter. You can also research it on the Internet. Good fosters are in high demand. By speaking to someone who is involved in it, you can determine what area would be best for you. If you don't want to or cannot have a dog in your home, consider volunteering at any of your local shelters....you can play with dogs, walk them, bathe them...help clean the kennels....feed them...there is always something that can be done. Donations are always needed and appreciated. There is no such thing as a 'free' dog. Food, collars, leashes, beds, pottie pads and many other items are necessities.
If you think you would like to foster a dog in your home, determine what breed, as size needs to be a consideration for what would be appropriate for you to safely provide. Can you handle multiple dogs...such as a new mom with pups? Do the senior dogs tug at your heart? Maybe an adult dog. Male? Female? Both? Do you have a fenced yard? Many rescues require one. How long are you away from home? Do you have other pets in your home? Children...young, teenage? I started with fostering one dog. For me at that point, that was a lot, as I had one of my own. I would never have thought I could get to a point where I would care for multiple dogs in my home. It's up to you as to what you can do....but please, I ask...do something! And if fate should have its way, you may end up being what is called a 'foster failure'....which means you fall so in love with the dog you are fostering, you adopt him/her...giving one deserving dog a forever home. There's no shame in that! I've 'failed' over and over again in that area! Sometimes though, I believe they rescued me!
If you don't know where to start....email me...(TalkToThePawInIndy@aol.com) I will help you get involved. I know there are many of my blog readers out there who love dogs, and want to do more....make 2014 the year that you do it! I think you will find once you are in it...you'll want to continue it as long as you physically can. The unconditional love you receive in return is so rewarding. I could go on and on talking about this...but I would like for you to experience it yourself. It's not glamorous...it's down-to-earth, meeting a need. It might mean restless nights, hours at the vet, dealing with diarrhea, worms, kennel cough...maybe even one passing to the Rainbow Bridge in death...I've experienced all this and more...but I would not trade it for anything. It will be a path, an experience, a journey that you will treasure in your heart. If you have young kids, this is a great way to teach them to respect and care for all God's critters, and help them understand the responsibility of pet parenting. You will not...you cannot remain untouched or unaffected with fostering...what you will notice is the paw print left on your heart forever. Yes, it can be difficult, and many times exhausting, but I would rather have loved and lost and helped, than never to have experienced this special love at all. <3
